§ Mr. Emeryasked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are vacant factories in any appreciable numbers, and in what localities, suitable for manufacturing goods for export; and whether, in the event of them being employed, the necessary raw materials would be quickly and adequately released by the controls?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThere are a number of vacant factories in different parts of the country. I cannot say how many would be suitable for manufacturing goods for export, nor would it be possible in the space of a reply to give a list of the localities. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service informs me that his Department would gladly discuss with any prospective manufacturer a suitable locality for siting a new undertaking where vacant factory buildings and suitable unemployed labour might be found. The question of facilities in regard to raw materials would have 1207W to be considered in the light of all the circumstances existing at the time when they are required.